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Democratic officials voiced anger after the ex-president accused a coalition of Democratic congress members of being "traitors" and stated they should be arrested and sentenced "with execution" following their posting of a disputed video.

The Recording That Sparked the Dispute

The recorded message, shared on earlier this week, features six Democratic congress members who in the past served in defense or security positions.

"Similar to us, you all swore an oath to defend and support this constitution," the representatives declared in the 90-second video. "At present, the threats to our democratic foundation aren't just from foreign nations, but from right here at home. Our statutes are unambiguous, you can refuse illegal orders, you can decline improper directives, you should decline improper directives. No one has to execute directives that contravene the law or our national charter."

The Former President's Furious Response

The recorded statement appeared to trigger a furious response from the former president.

On later in the week, Trump wrote on Truth Social: "It's called SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL. Each one of these turncoats to our Country should be ARRESTED AND PUT ON TRIAL."

In an additional post, he wrote: "This is really bad, and Risky to our United States. Their statements cannot be enabled to persist. SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR FROM TRAITORS!!! LOCK THEM UP???"

In a subsequent post, he continued: "SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, liable by DEATH!" He also redistributed a comment that stated: "HANG THEM GEORGE WASHINGTON WOULD !!"

Opposition Representatives React

Following Trump's remarks on Thursday, Top Democrats issued a combined announcement denouncing the remarks.

"Violent politics has no place in this nation," they declared. "Congress members who appeared in the video all served our nation with tremendous patriotism and excellence. We strongly denounce Donald Trump's offensive and risky threats of violence against members of Congress, and call on Republican lawmakers to forcefully do the same."

The party representatives also mentioned that they had been in touch with law enforcement "to ensure the security of these representatives and their loved ones."

"Donald Trump must immediately delete these radical online messages and retract his aggressive discourse before he gets someone killed," the announcement stated.

Lawmakers' Firm Response

The officials who participated in the video also released a response.

"We are veterans and security experts who value this nation and swore an pledge to protect and support the founding document of the United States," they said. "That oath is permanent, and we intend to keep it. No intimidation, coercion, or promotion of aggression will prevent us from that important responsibility."

"What's most telling is that the president views it liable to punishment by death for us to restate the law," they added. "Military personnel should know that we have their support as they execute their vow to the founding principles and duty to follow only proper directives. It is not only the proper thing to do, but also our obligation."

They stated: "The entire nation must join forces and censure the ex-president's demands for our execution and political violence. This is a moment for principled stance."

More Political Comments

The Democratic Senate minority leader also censured Trump's statements and shared on digital platforms: "It's important to understand: the President of the United States is demanding the capital punishment of government members."

He added: "This constitutes an direct THREAT. Each congressional member, every Representative, every American – without partisan consideration – should denounce this right away and unconditionally."

The GOP leader supported Trump's allegation that the Democrats had been involved in "treason", labeling the video as "extremely improper", adding: "It is very harmful, you have prominent officials of the legislature telling troops to defy commands, I think that is historic in US history."

The Conservative representative also allegedly told the press that in what he read of Trump's publications, Trump was "explaining the violation of rebellion" but that "legal experts have to analyze the wording and decide all that."

Executive Branch Statement

During a administration briefing on later that day, when asked by a media member, "Would the president want to execute members of Congress?", the White House press secretary answered: "Absolutely not."

"Let's be clear about what the former president is reacting to," the spokesperson stated. "There are current representatives of the American legislature who coordinated to arrange a digital communication to members of the national defense, to current military personnel urging them to disobey the president's proper directives."

She added: "The sanctity of our military rests on the hierarchy, and if that system is broken, it can lead to casualties, it can lead to chaos, and precisely what these congressional representatives ... are essentially supporting."